very scared...contemplating the worst... - HIV Prevention Message Board

09-13-2003, 01:34 PM

hello i am 17 years old and for a long time now, on my right underarm underneath the skin i can feel a small lump which i think is my lymph node..it is not big but it is still felt underneat the skin....then i noticed i have a white coating on my tongue, at first i thought could it be from cigarette smoking but then i broke out in a rash of red bumps on both my elbows which turned flaky on the left elbow....now lately ive had loss of apetite and im very VERY scared since these symptoms are defenitily aids right....please someone help

09-13-2003, 05:20 PM

what is the exposure that is making you worry?

babs1121 · 09-13-2003, 07:48 PM

The symtoms you are describing could me something other than AIDS. Many viral infections have the same symptoms. It could be something much less serious than HIV. I had a lump under my armpit that the doctor said was caused by a sinus infection that I had left untreated for over 2 months. 10 days of antibiotics later, the lump was totally gone. The white tongue could be many other things and the bumps could be, as well. You should definitely get a physical examination and get tested for all STD's - including AIDS, but be aware that it couild also be something much less serious.

Poo2 · 09-14-2003, 10:49 PM

What exposure have you had to think you contracted HIV. If you haven't had any sexual exposures you don't have to worry